In Elie Wiesel's book "Hostage," a profound observation is made about the psychological effects of torture. The quote emphasizes that the true victory of the torturer lies not just in physical pain inflicted on the victim but in creating self-doubt within them. When a victim starts to question their own worth and experiences internal suffering, they effectively become their own torturer, allowing their tormentor's power to extend even further.
This concept highlights the devastating impact of psychological manipulation in addition to physical cruelty. It suggests that the victim's struggle is compounded when they begin to internalize the negativity and doubt sown by their oppressor. The torturer's victory is thus not merely about control in a physical sense but also about dominating the victim's mind, leading to a profound existential crisis that can leave lasting scars.